We have had the CTR since 2002, our first one being silver, then we got the facelifted model in red. With the arrival of the new CTR we were thinking about a change.

I had a test drive in the new CTR. Kathryn was thinking of getting one, but on her 2 test drives she really was not blown away by it, as she was when she got her first one. The new CTR instantly felt like a bigger heavier car, still ok though. The steering was the first improvement. The steering wheel is now fully adjustable and felt really good. Handling didn't feel as sharp as the old CTR, maybe because of the added weight, but traction from a standing start felt better. The ride felt a bit more forgiving but it's still a bone shaker. Performance felt ok, but we were 3 up and the car only had 400 miles on the clock. The car looks good but we were disappointed by the lack of colour choice; why no white, or yellow? So, did I like it then? Yes, but having a modded S and a CTR, they are both pretty hardcore cars that are used every day. To buy the CTR would be the easy choice. We know how reliable they are and our dealer is great, but did we really want to replace one hardcore car with another, or take the opportunity to try something different? I suggested it was time to try something a bit more laid back, have a change.

We drove the BMW 330Ci M Sport. I really liked it, felt like a big lazy cruiser. But Kathryn was not impressed. She said it felt lardy and also didn't like the auto box; said she didn't feel in control. We had driven a 320Cd M Sport manual, the week before and she liked it, so I guess it might have been the added weight of the 3 litre lump in the 330 that was putting her off. So, after dismissing that (to my disappointment), we had a look at a 120d. We had driven the 120d about 6 months ago and both really liked it, and found a 120d M Sport in Le Mans Blue. Test drive was good, so we did a deal on it. There doesn't seem to be many 120 M Sport models around, and the body kit does make it look a bit more special than the normal models. I know a lot of people hate the look of these cars but I think having been out 3 years now it is more acceptable and still quite radical in the medium hatch sector. We would have prefered the 3 door but that model had only just been released and we couldn't afford a new car. Our new car is one year old with 7k on the clock.

I think we have done the CTR to death. We have had them for 4 years now, brilliant little cars but the time had come for a change. But now we have a relaxing car, and a screamer of a car; the best of both worlds (well, the best we can afford). Just hope the BMW turns out to be ok for us. Time will tell.

Guess from now on I'll be posting about the fantastic mpg, the great mid range punch, in gear acceleration times, and the huge amounts of torque

We would have like the 130 like the one in the link below, but they were way out of our budget and the fuel bills would be

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw-1-s...eos/ke313.html

Anyway, just picked the car up this morning

Thanks to Moff and Matt for their help and BMW info

 

Am I allowed to say that I actually like it? That colour is rather nice and makes the car look so much better than the silver ones I keep seeing.

Anymore piccies?

 

Nice one My neighbour has just ordered one of these to replace his Clio 172 - he rated it from the test drive.

I really hate the look of them though!

 

Looks nice

 

I will forever think of Andy and Jimbo when I hear that



RWD and BMW engineering in a wee car..... you can't go too far wrong with that.

 

looks very smart!

BMW's are quite good cars really, just don't tell anyone on here

 

Just been out and taken a few more pics











Can I please just clarify - this car has replaced my wifes Civic Type R. I still have the S

Dave

 

Very nice Dave

 

Looks very tidy Dave

 

I saw one of these take a roundabout the other day when I was waiting to turn right, and it instantly made sense. It may not be as pretty as a Golf, but I'll bet it's bags more capable and fun.